Ravens vs. Chiefs Week 1 Prediction | NFL Picks Today, Best Bets

The NFL regular season is finally here, with the Kansas City Chiefs set to host the Baltimore Ravens in the first game of the year on Thursday night. The Super Bowl champs hope to start the year with a win, while the Ravens look to prove they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC this year.

With that said, here’s what you need to know before kickoff and a prediction for which team starts the season off 1-0.

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Ravens @ Chiefs Game Information

Location: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri) Time: 8:20 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: NBC/Peacock 

Spread: Chiefs -3, Moneyline: Chiefs -152, Total: 46.5

Ravens @ Chiefs Best Bet: Ravens Moneyline +128

The Chiefs may enter as the favorite to win this matchup at home, but by no means does that mean it’s a lock to happen. The Ravens are just as strong of a contender as anybody, and with Lamar Jackson leading the way, they could threaten the Chiefs defense, which lost L’Jarius Sneed over the offseason. The Chiefs lost opening night at home last year to the Lions, who were also counted out from the jump. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Baltimore come out on top.

Ravens @ Chiefs Best Bet Total: Over 46.5

Between the Ravens and Chiefs, I’d expect plenty of points to be scored during the season’s first game. Both squads have high-powered offenses with star quarterbacks running the show. Not to mention, with it being the first game of the year, there won’t be much of a game plan to follow as each team feels out the others’ schemes on defense and offense. I predict the Ravens come out on top in a 34-31 victory, blowing past the game total.

Ravens Offensive Player to Watch: Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry joined the Ravens this offseason after years of dominating the league with the Titans. Now, he teams up with Lamar Jackson in the backfield to form one of the best dynamic duos on offense. It will be interesting to see how Todd Monken uses Henry out of the backfield in addition to his powerful run style, but one thing is for sure: the former rushing champion will leave his mark on the game.

Ravens Defensive Player to Watch: Kyle Hamilton

Kyle Hamilton was one of the biggest steals in the 2022 NFL Draft when he fell to the Ravens. Hamilton has developed into one of the best young safeties in the league and quickly made a name for himself as a leader of Baltimore’s defense. The former Notre Dame star will have a big task ahead of him on Thursday, where he’ll be depended on to slow down the Chiefs’ passing attack, starting with Travis Kelce. 

Chiefs Offensive Player to Watch: Patrick Mahomes 

Patrick Mahomes is undeniably the best quarterback today and continues to make a case for the greatest of all time. Mahomes can pick a defense apart, make something out of nothing in a broken play, and lead a game-winning drive in a heartbeat. The Chiefs’ success starts and ends with their star quarterback, and for Kansas City to get past a stout Ravens defense, they’ll need Mahomes at his best.

Chiefs Defensive Player to Watch: Chris Jones

Chris Jones re-signed with the Chiefs after yet another monster season. The defensive tackle can single-handedly wreck an opposing team’s offensive line and create opportunities for the rest of Kansas City’s playmakers on defense. If Jones can consistently get to Lamar Jackson on Thursday, it will be a long night for the Ravens offense, which depends on Jackson to create.

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